SPORTS EDITOR – XIMENA VALLECILLO
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON SEPT 13, 2023
A rising Italian soccer play has left the prominent soccer team, Juventus, in Italy to concentrate on her education at St. Mary’s University. The decision has caused a commotion within the sports community, with many questioning the player Clara Genitoni’s motivations.
Genitoni’s soccer career began at the age of eight with a dream to compete at the top level. Her ambition contributed to her growth on the field. After seven years of being a dedicated member of the famed Juventus soccer team, she was proposed an outstanding career offer. This was a key turning point in Genitoni’s career, which raises the question: why did she finally decided to pursue education instead of a professional career? Genitoni stated, “I have grown up a lot since I started playing for them and I owe them so much, but unfortunately in Italy [it] is hard to become a professional player, especially for a strong team [such] as Juventus, because soccer is not as developed as in the United States. If I stayed in Italy, I probably would have quit playing soccer.”
It was a pivotal decision in Genitoni’s journey to leave Juventus in pursuit of higher opportunities. She recognized St. Mary’s University’s soccer scene as challenging and tailored to her wants and needs, “In Italy I would not have had the chance to study and to play at the same time at high level. I chose St Mary’s because it is the only university that has a great soccer team and offer my desired major, Marketing, in which I want to specialize.” Besides, the opportunity of striking a balance between her athletic and intellectual growth she was presented with the opportunity to improve and stand out in a country besides her own. Genitoni’s decision was influenced by St. Mary’s opportunities and resources offered to the student-athletes’ aspirations and athletic offerings, such as a strong soccer program combined with the ease of being successful in the major of her choice.
The harmonious blend of academics and her passion to soccor has enriched her experience, offering academic and personal growth within a supporting community. She has the once-in-a-lifetime chance of living up to her potential in two different countries and cultures. She has managed to succeed and serves as an inspiration to young talents by demonstrating that education is not optional and should be an important aspect of an athlete’s life. Focusing on education along with their desired sport can expand their horizons, enrich their experiences, and set them on a path to holistic growth. She is proud and decisive in her choice to combine both of her lifestyles while opening herself to multiple and limitless opportunities.
“I do not regret my choice because here everything is completely new, and I can always learn something from it.” There is always knowledge to be gained from every decision made and life will always find a way to make opportunities optimistic and lifechanging if one has strength, character and resilience behind everything they do.